The Indiana Area High School Community and the community as a whole is mourning the loss of 18-year old Mason Robert McCauley of Shelocta, who died Saturday evening when his Ford Escape veered off McIntyre Road in Young Township, crashing into a fire hydrant and a tree.
Indiana County Coroner Jerry Overman, Jr. listed the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and neck. McCauley was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
McCauley was set to graduate on June 5th and had attended the Indiana High School Prom the night before the crash. He had been a member of the schools lacrosse team, and was an avid outdoorsman and motocross enthusiast.
(Students gathering for balloon release at Andy Kuzneski Field, where the IHS
Lacrosse team plays their home games. Photo by Josh Widdowson)
Last night, members of the Indiana High School student body teachers, faculty and administrators, along with members of McCauley’s family gathered at Andy Kuzneski Field for a balloon release and memorial ceremony. Amid the sea of red, black and white balloons, there were also silver balloons that bore his jersey number, number 26.
One person who spoke during the ceremony was Erik Puskar, one of McCauley’s teachers. McCauley took Puskar’s digital media production class. Puskar said that McCauley was one of the “dependable” guys.
Overman said McCauley was listed as an organ donor, and his family has agreed to organ donation through the Center for Organ Recover and Education.
(Members of the Lacrosse Team raised their sticks and shouted “26 forever!” as their tribute to McCauley. Photo by Josh Widdowson)
The Indiana Area School District also released a statement yesterday, saying that they also mourn the loss of McCauley. Counselors will be on hand to offer any needed emotional support for students and staffers today and for the next few days.
Video of the balloon release itself can be found here on the WCCS Facebook Page.
